First Drilled Oil Wells

California State Historic Landmark 543

03/09/01#543 California's First
Drilled Oil WellsCalifornia's first drilled oil wells producing crude to be refined and sold commercially were located on the north fork of the Mattole River approximately three miles east of here. The old Union Mattole Oil Company made the first shipment of oil from here in June 1865 to a San Francisco refinery. Many old well heads remain today.